http://www.hrw.org/campaigns/sasia/india.htm
2007-12-24 09:26:26 · 9 answers · asked by Buddha's Brother 1 in Society & Culture ➔ Religion & Spirituality
Hinduism is a very old, ethnic religion that is largly based on tradition and to some extent stuporstitions of it's founding over 2000 years ago. Unlike some sects of Christianity which have reformed and been changed to suit the the times Hinduism really hasn't changed all that much.
2007-12-24 09:31:06 · answer #1 · answered by Chris A 2 · 0⤊ 4⤋
Because 'Hinduism' as it's practiced today in India isn't the religion of the Vedas.
Many people are born as 'Hindus' and know nothing about their faith, only follow the rituals and corrupted nature of the caste system without a thought.
If you read the ancient Vedic texts, originally the Varnas were there to divide society on their ability and specialisation so everyone could work in harmony together. However, over time, for whatever reason these castes became hereditary, as it stands to this day among misguided 'Hindus'.
The Indian caste system is no part of true Sanatan Dharma, and more and more people are coming to realise that.
Hare Krishna!
à¥
2007-12-24 17:35:44 · answer #2 · answered by SleepingJiva 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Although it was outlawed a long time ago, the Hindus still believe in reincarnation and the caste system is based on that. If you are poor, it is because in another life, you must have done something bad so you must live you entire life in poverty. In fact, others who believe in the caste system dont bother to help them because they are supposed to live there lives in poverty. What ever they did in their past life must have been so bad that they dont even deserve to be helped in this life. If someone gets lepresy, no matter what caste they belong in, they are shunned and abbandoned by their families, and fired from their jobs, and forced to live in the streets and beg for the rest of their lives.
There are different levels of the caste system. I guess you more or less have to be lucky enough to be born into it. The one thing that will knock them down is if they get lepresy and aren't able to get treated and keep it a secret.
2007-12-24 17:36:28 · answer #3 · answered by guitarrman45 7 · 0⤊ 1⤋
Hinduism like other religions has to be brought into 2008.i dont think most modern Hindus believe in the cast system
2007-12-24 17:32:05 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 0⤋
It's more a national tradition than a Hindu thing. The castes are mentioned in Hindu texts such as Ramayana but no-one in those texts would have advocated killing someone who crossed caste boundaries.
Other answerers, please correct me if I'm wrong.
2007-12-24 17:32:04 · answer #5 · answered by Citizen Justin 7 · 4⤊ 0⤋
same reason Christians believed in cannibalism. I'm sure many of them are right now stating, "we do not! He doesn't know what the heck he's talking about!" Consider this, what is communion? You have to get into the mindset of whatever religion you're looking at before you can understand their viewpoints.
2007-12-24 18:59:40 · answer #6 · answered by drdavidcamp 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Same reason as fundies believe gays CHOOSE to be homosexual and or people who don't believe in their breed of Imaginary Sky Swooping Thingy are going to hell ... it's a cultural thing which is NOT based in any Logic or Reason.
2007-12-24 17:38:23 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 0⤋
The same reason various countries in the middle east commit some atrocity in the name of islam, when in reality it is their tribal culture, and not religion.
2007-12-24 17:31:03 · answer #8 · answered by gromit801 7 · 4⤊ 0⤋
Who sez it is fascism??
2007-12-24 19:47:51 · answer #9 · answered by rupee100 5 · 0⤊ 1⤋